Creative Ballymoney pupils enjoy Robotics Roadshow

It’s not all just ‘reading, writing and ‘rithmetic’ at Ballymoney High School for students at the school recently showed their creative sides by participating in a Robotics Roadshow!

The students put their problem solving skills to very good use by working through a series of robotics challenges in a special roadshow run by Sentinus.

Working in pairs, supported by a team of trained Year 11 mentors, the pupils were taught how to write simple programmes to control their own robot. They then wrote their own programmes to get it to carry out a range of specific tasks set within the context of lunar exploration.

The event concluded with a competitive challenge for the teams at the end of the day.

Bill Connor, Chief Executive, Sentinus, said: “Considering the recent decline in the number of students opting to study science and technology subjects, it is vital that we open up the exciting world of science and technology to young people.

“This Robotics Roadshow provides an excellent opportunity to show that science and technology is relevant and can be stimulating and fun.”

Mr Connor went on to say: “It also supports the new Northern Ireland curriculum by providing opportunities to enhance the development of a whole range of skills and capabilities including ICT skills, team working, problem solving, communication and decision making.”

Managed and delivered by Sentinus, the Roadshows aim to engage Key Stage 3 students in exciting ICT activity.

Not only do the students get to put their curriculum based learning into practice but they also get the opportunity to develop their problem solving, teamwork, communication and confidence-building skills – AND have fun!

Sentinus is a not for profit educational charity and one of the largest providers of business/education activity in the United Kingdom. The organisation works with young people, from 5 to 19 years old, to promote innovation and creativity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) and support the development of employability and life skills through exciting experiences linked with the world of work.